Sugar Land approves annexation of New Territory, Greatwood MUDs

Sugar Land City Council held a second public hearing on the annexation of non-MUD areas that will be included when the city annexes Greatwood and New Territory on Dec. 12.

Annexation will include MUD area B, which is approximately 80 acres that includes Levee Improvement District 7 levee drainage facilities and Highway 99 right of way; area C, which is approximately nine acres that includes MUD 112 wastewater treatment plant; and area D, which is approximately 163 consisting of the New Territory Residential Community Association athletic fields.

The process of annexation began in November 2007 and is the result of years of detailed planning, public input and a strong partnership between the City of Sugar Land and the communities of both areas.

According to the city’s website, “Upon completion, the annexation will increase Sugar Land’s population by more than 30 percent (from 87,367 to approximately 117,000).”

“Greatwood and New Territory are premier communities with first-class infrastructure; beautiful parks; carefully planned, well maintained neighborhoods and quality retail and commercial areas that are consistent with Sugar Land’s commitment to excellence,” the city’s website says.

The ordinance ensures full city services will be provided to residents of the communities on the day of annexation and ensures there will be no additional cost to existing residents of Sugar Land. Most residents will experience annual savings and increased services in areas such as public safety, zoning, traffic control, regulatory oversight, street/sidewalk repair and comprehensive planning.

Strategic partnership agreements between the city and the Greatwood and New Territory MUDs provided contractual commitments for annexation and the provision of services to non-city residents. The city’s website said the agreements included, “a surcharge to Greatwood and New Territory residents for city-provided services that has been deposited into a fund to pay for annexation costs, including the retirement of remaining municipal utility district debt.”

“Communication between the city and future residents is a key priority, as the city will ensure that residents do not notice a lag in service, or service quality upon the effective date of annexation. Annexation will not increase costs, taxes or impact services for current city residents,” the website says.

City officials will provide residents with additional information as the city moves towards the effective annexation date of Dec. 12, in regards to development and other citywide policies and expectations.

“The city is committed to excellence in the delivery of public services for current residents, as well as its future residents who live in the Greatwood and New Territory communities,” the website says.